Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy, the team announced on Thursday.
Key Takeaways
- Nikola Topic, 20, diagnosed with testicular cancer
- Currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment
- Doctors are “extremely positive” about full recovery
- Expected to miss most or all of the upcoming season
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
General Manager Sam Presti revealed to ESPN that Topic received his diagnosis recently after undergoing a biopsy procedure at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston earlier this month. The Serbian guard requested the team keep the news private until his treatment began.
Medical professionals are reportedly “extremely positive” about Topic’s prognosis and expect a full recovery.
“Our only expectations for him are to focus on this,” Presti said, per ESPN. “This is his most important priority. He’ll be back playing basketball when he’s able to, but we’re not putting any time length or expectations on that, obviously. He has our total support, encouragement and love.”
Career Setbacks for Young Guard
The cancer diagnosis represents another significant setback for Topic’s young career. He missed the entire previous season due to a torn ACL before finally making his preseason debut this year.
In his lone preseason appearance against the Charlotte Hornets, Topic recorded 10 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds in 31.5 minutes of play. The Thunder won the game 135-114.
Selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Topic has yet to make his official NBA regular season debut. With his current health situation, he’s expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nikola Topic?
Topic is a Serbian basketball player selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 NBA Draft.
How many NBA games has Topic played?
He has not yet made his official NBA debut.
What draft position was Topic selected?
He was the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 draft.
